The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has praised the National Association of Judges of Nigeria (NAJN) following its admission into the International Association of Judges (IAJ).
The NAJN was formally admitted during the 67th Annual Meeting of the IAJ held in Baku, Azerbaijan, making Nigeria the 93rd member of the global judicial body. The association brings together national judges’ organizations committed to judicial independence and the rule of law.
According to a statement from the CJN’s media aide, Tobi Soniyi, Nigeria’s membership reflects international recognition and confidence in the country’s judiciary. Before the admission, the IAJ reviewed both the challenges facing Nigeria’s judicial system and the reforms introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership.
Reacting to the development, Justice Kekere-Ekun described Nigeria’s admission as a “moment of pride and privilege” and pledged active participation in the association’s work.
“Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility,” she said. “We recognise the values that this association upholds, and we are determined to contribute actively to its mission. We are committed to strengthening judicial independence, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights in our country.”
Founded in Salzburg, Austria, in 1953, the IAJ is a professional, non-political organisation of national judges’ associations. Its main objectives are to safeguard judicial independence and promote human rights globally.
The association currently comprises 92 national associations from five continents, with Nigeria now becoming the 93rd member. Each member association is represented by two delegates on the IAJ’s Central Council, which serves as its executive body and meets annually in different countries.
At the Council’s meeting in Taipei in September 2023, Judge Duro Sessa of Croatia was elected IAJ President for a two-year term, while Judge Giacomo Oberto of Italy was confirmed as Secretary-General for a sixth term.
The IAJ holds consultative status with the United Nations, including the International Labour Office, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the Council of Europe.
Nigeria’s inclusion in the association signals a strengthening of the country’s judicial reforms and increased engagement in global efforts to uphold the rule of law.